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Skills for English B1 SELT study materials
Skills for English B1 SELT study resources

Skills for English B1 SELT practice questions

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Question 1Speaking

In the Speaking test, Part 1 asks you to give personal information. Which answer best fits this part?

  1. I would like to talk about transport in my city.
  2. My name is Ana Silva and I come from Lisbon. Correct answer.
  3. In my opinion, governments should spend more on trains.
  4. Could you repeat the question, please?

Explanation

Part 1 checks whether you can give short, direct personal details such as name, home town, work or family. A simple statement of identity and origin matches that purpose exactly. Longer opinions and topic monologues belong to later parts of the test.

Question 2Speaking

The examiner asks: 'How often do you use public transport?' Which reply answers the question most appropriately for a B1 speaking test?

  1. I have never thought about that question before.
  2. Yes, I do.
  3. Public transport is a very important subject nowadays.
  4. About four times a week, usually to get to work. Correct answer.

Explanation

A 'how often' question needs a frequency expression such as 'about four times a week', ideally with a short extra detail. This shows the examiner you understood the question and can extend your answer naturally. Yes/no answers and topic comments do not address frequency.

Question 3Speaking

You did not hear the examiner's question clearly. Which phrase is the most appropriate way to ask for repetition in the Speaking test?

  1. Sorry, could you say that again, please? Correct answer.
  2. I don't understand anything you say.
  3. What? Say it again.
  4. Repeat, please, now.

Explanation

Test takers are allowed to ask for repetition, but the request should be polite and clearly worded. 'Sorry, could you say that again, please?' uses a standard apologetic opener and 'please', which keeps the register appropriate. Very short commands or exaggerated statements sound rude or suggest you cannot cope.

Question 4Speaking

In Part 2 you must talk about a topic card for about one minute. Which opening is the most suitable?

  1. I'm going to talk about a place I like visiting. Correct answer.
  2. Well, maybe, it depends, I'm not sure.
  3. That is all I want to say about it.
  4. Can I ask you a question first?

Explanation

A long turn needs a clear signpost at the start so the examiner knows you have understood the task. 'I'm going to talk about...' is a standard, confident opener for a one-minute talk. Closing phrases, questions to the examiner and hesitant fillers do not begin a turn effectively.

Question 5Speaking

Which phrase is the clearest way to introduce a contrasting idea during a discussion in the Speaking test?

  1. Because it costs money, so.
  2. On the other hand, it costs a lot of money. Correct answer.
  3. And also and also it costs money.
  4. It costs money, isn't it?

Explanation

Discourse markers such as 'on the other hand' signal that you are balancing two views, which is a B1 linking skill. The phrase is followed by a complete clause, so the sentence stays grammatical. The other options contain repetition, an incomplete structure or an incorrect tag.

Question 6Speaking

The examiner asks: 'What do you do?' Which response is the most natural and complete for Part 1?

  1. I am doing it now.
  2. Because I finished my studies.
  3. It is a good job, I think.
  4. I am a nurse in a children's hospital. Correct answer.

Explanation

'What do you do?' is a standard question about your job or studies, so the answer should name your work or course. 'I am a nurse in a children's hospital' gives the job and a useful detail. The other replies either misinterpret the question or give a reason with no main statement.

Question 7Speaking

In the Speaking test, which behaviour best shows you can manage a conversation at B1 level?

  1. Waiting silently until the examiner asks the next question.
  2. Checking that the examiner has understood by asking a short question. Correct answer.
  3. Reading your prepared answers word for word from notes.
  4. Speaking without stopping so the examiner cannot interrupt.

Explanation

Interactive communication is one of the assessed criteria, and it includes checking understanding and keeping the exchange going. A short check such as 'Is that clear?' or 'Do you mean...?' shows active management. Scripted recitation, silence and monologues with no turn-taking all reduce your interaction score.

Question 8Speaking

Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect to describe experience, a structure often needed in Part 1 answers?

  1. I visited Scotland since 2019.
  2. I have visited Scotland several times. Correct answer.
  3. I am visiting Scotland last summer.
  4. I have visited Scotland two years ago.

Explanation

The present perfect with 'several times' describes experience without a specific finished time, which is exactly its function. When a definite past time such as 'two years ago' or 'last summer' is given, the past simple is required instead. 'Since 2019' needs a state or repeated action, not a single completed visit.

Question 9Speaking

You want to give yourself a moment to think during a long turn. Which strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Say 'I don't know' and end your turn.
  2. Switch to your first language for a few seconds.
  3. Use a natural filler such as 'Well, let me think...' and continue. Correct answer.
  4. Stop speaking and wait for the examiner to help.

Explanation

Fluency includes the ability to keep a turn going while you plan the next idea. Natural fillers like 'Well, let me think' buy time without breaking the flow or the language of the test. Silence, switching language or ending the turn early all lose marks for fluency and coherence.

Question 10Speaking

In Part 2, the card says: 'Describe a skill you would like to learn. Say what it is, why you want to learn it and how you would learn it.' Which answer covers the task fully?

  1. I would like to learn to play the guitar because I love music, and I would take lessons online. Correct answer.
  2. I like music very much and I listen to it every day.
  3. My brother plays the guitar and he is very good at it.
  4. Learning new things is important for everyone, I believe.

Explanation

The card has three prompts: what the skill is, why you want it and how you would learn it. Only the first option names the skill, gives a reason and adds a method. The others talk around the topic without answering all three prompts.

Question 11Speaking

Which response best shows you can speculate about the future, a common requirement in Part 3 discussion?

  1. Yesterday people used buses more than today.
  2. People are working from home at the moment.
  3. People will probably work from home more often in the future. Correct answer.
  4. People worked from home during the pandemic.

Explanation

Speculating about the future requires a future form, often softened with a modal adverb such as 'probably'. 'People will probably work from home more often in the future' does exactly this. The other options describe the past or the present, so they do not speculate.

Question 12Speaking

The examiner asks: 'Do you think cities should have more green spaces?' Which reply uses an appropriate B1 structure for giving an opinion with a reason?

  1. Green spaces, yes, very good, parks.
  2. If there are more green spaces, then, but it depends.
  3. I think cities should have more green spaces because they are good for health. Correct answer.
  4. Green spaces are a topic that many people discuss.

Explanation

An opinion answer at B1 should state a view and support it, typically with 'I think... because...'. The second option does this with a complete, well-linked sentence. The others are a list of words, a neutral comment and an unfinished conditional.

Question 13Speaking

In Part 3 you are asked to compare two activities. Which sentence is the most effective comparison for this task?

  1. Swimming is good. Running is good.
  2. Swimming is more relaxing than running, but running is cheaper. Correct answer.
  3. Swimming and running are both activities.
  4. I like swimming very much indeed.

Explanation

A comparison task needs comparative forms and, ideally, a balanced view of both items. The second option uses 'more relaxing than' and 'cheaper' and links them with 'but'. The other options either repeat simple statements, state the obvious or discuss only one activity.

Question 14Speaking

Which question is the most appropriate way to ask the examiner for clarification of a word you do not know?

  1. I don't know this word, so I stop.
  2. You used a strange word, sorry.
  3. Commute, commute, what?
  4. What is the meaning of 'commute', please? Correct answer.

Explanation

Asking for the meaning of a single word is a legitimate clarification strategy, and it should be phrased politely and precisely. Naming the word and using 'please' achieves this. Giving up, repeating the word or criticising the examiner's language are not effective strategies.

Question 15Speaking

Which sentence uses a correct second conditional, a structure useful for hypothetical questions in Part 3?

  1. If I would live in a big city, I will use the metro.
  2. If I lived in a big city, I will used the metro.
  3. If I live in a big city, I would use the metro.
  4. If I lived in a big city, I would use the metro. Correct answer.

Explanation

The second conditional uses the past simple in the if-clause and 'would' plus the base verb in the main clause. 'If I lived... I would use...' follows this pattern exactly. Mixing 'would' into the if-clause or combining past and future forms breaks the structure.

Question 16Speaking

During a discussion you want to disagree politely with the examiner's suggestion. Which response is most appropriate?

  1. You don't understand anything.
  2. That is a silly idea.
  3. I see your point, but I think the opposite is true. Correct answer.
  4. No, that's completely wrong.

Explanation

Politeness strategies such as acknowledging the other view before disagreeing are expected in a formal speaking test. 'I see your point, but...' softens the disagreement and keeps the discussion constructive. Blunt or insulting replies would be inappropriate even if the grammar is correct.

Question 17Speaking

Which answer best demonstrates the use of a range of tenses when describing a past experience in Part 2?

  1. I am going to Paris. It is a nice city.
  2. I go to Paris, I see the tower, I eat a lot.
  3. I went to Paris last year. I had never travelled alone before, so I was nervous. Correct answer.
  4. Paris is in France. Many tourists visit it.

Explanation

A strong B1 answer shows control of several past forms, not just one. The second option combines the past simple ('went'), the past perfect ('had never travelled') and a describing adjective with a reason. The other options use inconsistent tenses or give general facts.

Question 18Speaking

In Part 2 you have about one minute for your long turn. Which plan best uses that time?

  1. Answer each prompt on the card with one or two sentences and a short example. Correct answer.
  2. Give one short sentence and then wait quietly.
  3. Repeat the wording of the card several times.
  4. Describe every detail you can remember in a random order.

Explanation

The prompts on the card are there to help you structure the minute. Covering each prompt with a sentence or two plus a brief example produces a coherent, well-developed turn. A single sentence, unordered detail or repetition would leave the turn underdeveloped.

Question 19Speaking

Which sentence uses correct question word order, as needed when you ask the examiner a question in Part 3?

  1. Can you tell me when finishes the test?
  2. Can you tell me what time the test finish?
  3. Can you tell me what time does the test finish?
  4. Can you tell me what time the test finishes? Correct answer.

Explanation

In an indirect question after 'Can you tell me...', the word order returns to subject plus verb, with no auxiliary 'does'. 'What time the test finishes' follows this rule. Keeping question inversion or omitting the third-person -s produces an error.

Question 20Speaking

A candidate says: 'It was very good because the weather was nice and the food was nice and the people were nice.' Which comment best describes the weakness of this answer?

  1. It uses too many past tenses.
  2. It contains an error in the use of 'because'.
  3. It repeats the same adjective instead of using a range of vocabulary. Correct answer.
  4. It is too short for a B1 answer.

Explanation

Lexical resource is assessed on range as well as accuracy, and repeating 'nice' three times shows limited vocabulary. A stronger answer would use varied adjectives such as 'delicious', 'friendly' or 'sunny'. The length and the use of 'because' are both acceptable here.

Question 21Speaking

Which pair of sentences shows the most effective use of referencing to avoid repetition in a long turn?

  1. The museum was closed. Closed museums are closed.
  2. The museum was closed. The museum was closed because the museum was closed for repairs.
  3. The museum was closed for repairs. That was disappointing, so we visited the park instead. Correct answer.
  4. The museum was closed. The museum is a building. Buildings are old.

Explanation

Cohesion at B1 includes referring back with pronouns and demonstratives such as 'that' or 'it'. The second option replaces the repeated noun with 'That' and links the ideas with 'so'. The other options repeat words mechanically or add irrelevant statements.

Question 22Speaking

A candidate answers a Part 3 question with: 'Well, it depends. Some people say it is better, but others disagree, so I suppose it is a question of personal choice.' What does this answer mainly demonstrate?

  1. A grammatical error in the use of 'depends'.
  2. A memorised answer that does not fit the question.
  3. A balanced answer that hedges and acknowledges different views. Correct answer.
  4. An inability to give any opinion at all.

Explanation

Hedging language such as 'it depends', 'I suppose' and 'some people... others...' shows the candidate can discuss both sides. This is a valued discussion skill at B1 and above. The answer does give a position, is grammatically sound and responds to the question.

Question 23Speaking

Which answer best combines accurate pronunciation-focused spelling patterns with clear meaning when talking about work in Part 1?

  1. I working as a designer for a small company.
  2. I work like a designer for a small company, maybe no.
  3. I work as a designer for a small company, isn't it?
  4. I work as a designer for a small company. Correct answer.

Explanation

The first option is a complete, grammatical sentence with a clear job and workplace, which is what Part 1 requires. The examiner can follow the meaning immediately. The others contain a mismatched tag, a missing auxiliary or an unclear ending that would confuse the listener.

Question 24Speaking

A candidate uses long pauses, then produces accurate but very short answers throughout Parts 1 and 2. Which area is most likely to lower the score?

  1. Pronunciation, because the words are produced correctly.
  2. Interactive communication only, because the examiner asked the questions.
  3. Fluency and coherence, because the speech is hesitant and underdeveloped. Correct answer.
  4. Grammatical range, because the sentences are accurate.

Explanation

Fluency and coherence covers the ability to keep going, link ideas and develop answers at reasonable length. Long pauses and minimal answers are the classic signs of weakness in this criterion. Accuracy alone does not compensate, and the other criteria are not the main issue described.

Question 25Speaking

Which response best repairs communication after the examiner clearly did not understand your answer?

  1. Sorry, let me say that in a different way: I take the bus to work every day. Correct answer.
  2. My pronunciation is bad, I know.
  3. It doesn't matter, next question.
  4. I said it already, listen again.

Explanation

Repair strategies involve rephrasing so the listener can understand, not simply repeating louder or giving up. Apologising briefly and reformulating the message shows self-awareness and flexibility. Blaming the examiner, skipping the question or commenting on your own pronunciation does not solve the problem.

Question 26Speaking

In Part 1 of the Speaking test, the examiner asks: 'How often do you use public transport?' Which reply is the most natural and appropriate for B1 level?

  1. I used it yesterday because my car was broken.
  2. Yes, I do.
  3. I use it every day to go to work, but at weekends I usually walk or cycle. Correct answer.
  4. Public transport is a system of buses and trains available to the public.

Explanation

A good Part 1 answer gives a direct response with a frequency adverb and a relevant extension. It should sound conversational and show you can link ideas with basic connectors like 'but'. Option 0 does this naturally and stays on the topic of how often.

Question 27Speaking

The examiner asks: 'Do you prefer studying alone or with friends?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to give reasons?

  1. I prefer studying alone because I can concentrate better, although sometimes it is nice to study with friends. Correct answer.
  2. Studying alone is good. Studying with friends is good too.
  3. Yes, I prefer studying alone.
  4. I don't know. It depends.

Explanation

At B1 you should support a preference with a clear reason and, where possible, a contrast. Option 0 gives a main reason with 'because' and adds a balanced point with 'although'. This shows range and coherence.

Question 28Speaking

In Part 1, the examiner asks: 'What kind of music do you like?' Which answer uses the most appropriate B1 vocabulary and structure?

  1. Music is an art form involving organized sounds.
  2. I like music that it is very good and nice.
  3. I listen to music which is being played by popular artists.
  4. I am keen on pop music, especially songs that have a strong rhythm. Correct answer.

Explanation

A natural B1 answer uses a clear preference phrase and a simple relative clause. 'Keen on' is a common B1 collocation, and 'songs that have' is an accurate defining relative clause. The answer stays personal and relevant to the question.

Question 29Speaking

In Part 2, you must describe a recent journey. Which opening sentence is the most effective way to begin your long turn?

  1. Yesterday I go to the coast with my family.
  2. The journey was very good and nice and interesting.
  3. I'd like to talk about a trip I took last month to the coast. Correct answer.
  4. I am going to describe a journey that I will take next year.

Explanation

A strong Part 2 opening signals the topic clearly and uses a suitable past tense. 'I'd like to talk about' is a natural framing phrase, and 'I took' is the correct past simple form. This helps the examiner follow your long turn from the start.

Question 30Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a person you admire. Which sentence best uses a range of B1 structures to describe the person's influence?

  1. She is teaching me patience and I am becoming confident.
  2. She taught me patience and I become confident.
  3. She has taught me to be more patient, and I have become more confident since I met her. Correct answer.
  4. She teach me patience and I become confident.

Explanation

B1 candidates should show control of present perfect for life experience and change over time. Option 0 uses 'has taught' and 'have become' correctly with 'since' to describe a lasting effect. This demonstrates a wider tense range than a single present or past form.

Question 31Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'What are the advantages of living in a big city?' Which response best demonstrates B1-level ability to list and justify points?

  1. I think living in a big city is good because it is good.
  2. One advantage is that there are more job opportunities, and another is that public transport is usually better. Correct answer.
  3. Big cities have many people and many buildings and many cars.
  4. There are advantages and disadvantages, but I don't know many.

Explanation

A strong Part 3 answer names specific advantages and supports them with a simple justification. Option 0 uses 'One advantage is... and another is...' to organise ideas clearly. This shows the candidate can extend and link points at B1 level.

Question 32Speaking

In Part 3, you want to give a balanced opinion about whether technology makes life easier. Which sentence best shows B1-level ability to present two sides?

  1. Technology is good and bad.
  2. I agree that technology is good because it is good.
  3. Technology saves time. Technology makes us depend on machines.
  4. On the one hand, technology saves time, but on the other hand, it can make us depend on machines. Correct answer.

Explanation

B1 candidates should use simple contrast markers to present two sides of an argument. 'On the one hand... but on the other hand...' is a clear and appropriate structure for a balanced answer. It also gives a specific point on each side.

Question 33Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'Do you think it is better to learn a language online or in a classroom?' Which reply uses the most appropriate B1 structure to compare the two options?

  1. Classroom learning is good. Online learning is also good.
  2. Online learning is more better than classroom learning.
  3. I think learning in a classroom is better than learning online because you can practise speaking with other students. Correct answer.
  4. I prefer online learning because it is better.

Explanation

A comparison at B1 should use a clear comparative form and a reason. Option 0 uses 'better than' correctly and supports the choice with a concrete advantage. This directly compares the two modes of learning.

Question 34Speaking

In Part 3, you are asked: 'How might transport change in the future?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to speculate?

  1. Transport will definitely change completely and everyone will have a flying car.
  2. I don't know about the future.
  3. I think more people might use electric cars, and maybe public transport will become cheaper. Correct answer.
  4. Transport changed a lot in the past.

Explanation

Speculation at B1 often uses 'might', 'may' and 'will' with appropriate hedging. Option 0 uses 'might' and 'maybe... will' to make reasonable predictions. This shows the candidate can discuss future possibilities without overclaiming.

Question 35Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner says: 'Some people think exams are the best way to test students. What do you think?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to disagree politely?

  1. I see your point, but I think exams are not always the best way because some students feel very stressed. Correct answer.
  2. I agree with you completely.
  3. No, you are wrong. Exams are bad.
  4. Exams are a method of assessment used in education.

Explanation

Politely disagreeing at B1 involves acknowledging the other view and then giving a reason. 'I see your point, but...' is a useful softener, and 'because' introduces a clear justification. This keeps the discussion respectful and developed.

Question 36Speaking

In Part 2, you want to describe a difficult decision you made. Which sentence best shows B1-level ability to narrate with a range of past tenses?

  1. I was working in a job I didn't enjoy, so I decided to change careers after I had saved enough money. Correct answer.
  2. I have worked in a job I didn't enjoy, so I have decided to change careers.
  3. I was working in a job I didn't enjoy, so I decide to change careers.
  4. I work in a job I don't enjoy, so I decide to change careers.

Explanation

Narrating a past decision at B1 can combine past continuous for background, past simple for the main event, and past perfect for an earlier action. Option 0 uses all three accurately. This shows a good range of past forms in a single coherent sentence.

Question 37Speaking

In Part 2, you have one minute to prepare. Which preparation strategy is most effective for a B1 candidate?

  1. Write out your entire answer word for word and read it aloud.
  2. Spend the minute practising pronunciation of difficult words only.
  3. Memorise a general answer that you can use for any topic.
  4. Write short notes on each bullet point on the card and think of one example for each. Correct answer.

Explanation

The preparation minute is best used to plan content briefly, not to script every word. Short notes on each bullet point help you cover the task and keep speaking naturally. Adding one example per point supports extended discourse at B1.

Question 38Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a favourite place. Which sentence best uses referencing to avoid repetition?

  1. I love the park near my house. Park is peaceful, and I go to park every weekend.
  2. I love the park near my house. The park is peaceful, and I go to the park every weekend because the park is nice.
  3. I love the park near my house. It is peaceful, and I go there every weekend. Correct answer.
  4. I love the park near my house. The park is peaceful, and I go to the park every weekend.

Explanation

Referencing with pronouns such as 'it' and 'there' avoids repetition and makes speech sound more natural. Option 0 replaces 'the park' with 'it' and 'there' appropriately. This is a key coherence feature at B1.

Question 39Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'Should governments spend more money on public libraries?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to give a balanced answer with a conclusion?

  1. No, because libraries are old-fashioned.
  2. Yes, I think they should, because libraries give everyone free access to books and the internet, so they help people who cannot afford these things. Correct answer.
  3. I think so, but I am not sure.
  4. Libraries are places where you can borrow books.

Explanation

A balanced B1 answer gives a clear position and supports it with a reason that considers other people. Option 0 states an opinion, gives a specific justification, and links it to a social benefit. This shows the candidate can develop an argument beyond a single sentence.

Question 40Speaking

In Part 3, you need to ask the examiner for clarification because you did not understand the word 'subsidy'. Which question is the most appropriate?

  1. Could you explain what 'subsidy' means, please? Correct answer.
  2. Can you repeat the question?
  3. What is subsidy?
  4. I don't know subsidy.

Explanation

Asking for clarification politely and specifically is a useful B1 strategy. 'Could you explain what... means, please?' is polite and targets the unknown word. This keeps the interaction going without losing face.

Question 41Speaking

In Part 1, the examiner asks: 'What do you like about your hometown?' Which answer is the most appropriate for B1 level?

  1. I like it because it is good.
  2. I like the friendly atmosphere and the fact that everything is close, so I can walk everywhere. Correct answer.
  3. My hometown is a place where I was born and grew up.
  4. It is nice.

Explanation

A good Part 1 answer gives specific reasons and uses a range of simple structures. Option 0 names two concrete things the candidate likes and explains the benefit with 'so I can'. This is natural and sufficiently developed for B1.

Question 42Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a meal you enjoyed. Which sentence best shows B1-level ability to use sensory details?

  1. I ate the meal and I liked it.
  2. The meal was a combination of ingredients cooked together.
  3. The meal was very nice and tasty.
  4. The soup was hot and spicy, and it smelled wonderful. Correct answer.

Explanation

Descriptive language at B1 can include adjectives and sensory verbs to make the description vivid. Option 0 uses 'hot and spicy' and 'smelled wonderful' to create a clear picture. This is more effective than a general evaluation.

Question 43Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'Why do some people prefer to work from home?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to explain reasons?

  1. I don't like working from home.
  2. People work from home. It is popular.
  3. Some people prefer working from home because they can save time on commuting and have more flexibility. Correct answer.
  4. Working from home is when you work at home.

Explanation

Explaining reasons at B1 requires a clear cause and effect. Option 0 uses 'because' to introduce two concrete reasons: saving time and flexibility. This directly answers the 'why' question with relevant content.

Question 44Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'Do you think it is important to learn a second language?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to give a balanced answer with a personal example?

  1. Yes, I do, because it helps you communicate with more people. For example, I use English when I travel. Correct answer.
  2. I think it is important because it is important.
  3. Yes, languages are important.
  4. Learning a language is good for the brain.

Explanation

A strong B1 answer states an opinion, gives a general reason, and supports it with a personal example. Option 0 does all three, using 'because' and 'For example'. This shows the candidate can extend an answer beyond a simple assertion.

Question 45Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a skill you have learned. Which sentence best uses a range of B1 structures to describe the learning process?

  1. I have started learning to cook when I was ten, and I improved a lot.
  2. I start learning to cook when I am ten, and I improve a lot.
  3. I started learning to cook when I was ten, and I improve a lot.
  4. I started learning to cook when I was ten, and I have improved a lot since then. Correct answer.

Explanation

Describing a learning process at B1 can combine past simple for the starting point and present perfect for change up to now. Option 0 uses 'started' and 'have improved' correctly with 'since then'. This shows control of time reference across tenses.

Question 46Speaking

In Part 3, you are discussing whether it is better to live in a city or the countryside. Which response best shows B1-level ability to use complex sentences with concessions?

  1. I think the city is better because it is better.
  2. The city is busy. The countryside is quiet.
  3. The countryside is nice, but I don't know.
  4. Although the city has more job opportunities, the countryside is quieter and healthier, so it depends on what you value. Correct answer.

Explanation

Using concession clauses like 'although' allows a B1 candidate to acknowledge one side while presenting another. Option 0 contrasts job opportunities with peace and health, then concludes with 'it depends'. This shows complex sentence structure and balanced reasoning.

Question 47Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a festival you attended. Which sentence best shows B1-level ability to use a variety of past passive and active forms?

  1. The festival was held in the town square, and thousands of people attend it.
  2. The festival was held in the town square, and thousands of people attended it. Correct answer.
  3. The festival held in the town square, and thousands of people attended it.
  4. The festival is held in the town square, and thousands of people attend it.

Explanation

Describing an event can combine past passive for arrangements and past active for participants. Option 0 uses 'was held' and 'attended' correctly. This demonstrates control of both voice and tense in a past narrative.

Question 48Speaking

In Part 3, the examiner asks: 'What are the benefits of volunteering?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to use conditional structures to discuss hypothetical benefits?

  1. If more people volunteered, communities would be stronger, and individuals would gain useful experience. Correct answer.
  2. Volunteering benefits communities.
  3. Volunteering is good. People should volunteer.
  4. If people volunteer, they get experience.

Explanation

Using the second conditional allows a B1 candidate to discuss hypothetical situations. Option 0 uses 'If more people volunteered, communities would be stronger' correctly. It also adds a parallel benefit, showing extended discourse.

Question 49Speaking

In Part 2, you are describing a difficult journey. Which sentence best shows B1-level ability to use narrative tenses with a subordinate clause?

  1. While we drive to the airport, the car breaks down, so we miss our flight.
  2. While we were driving to the airport, the car breaks down, so we miss our flight.
  3. While we drove to the airport, the car was breaking down, so we missed our flight.
  4. While we were driving to the airport, the car broke down, so we missed our flight. Correct answer.

Explanation

A past narrative often uses past continuous for the background action and past simple for the interrupting event. Option 0 uses 'were driving' and 'broke down' correctly, then 'missed' for the result. This is a clear and accurate complex sentence.

Question 50Speaking

In Part 3, you are asked: 'How can schools encourage students to read more?' Which response best shows B1-level ability to make suggestions with modal verbs?

  1. Schools can give books. Reading is good.
  2. Students should read more because reading is important.
  3. Schools could organise reading clubs, and they should also give students time to read in class. Correct answer.
  4. Schools must force students to read.

Explanation

Making suggestions at B1 often involves modals like 'could' and 'should'. Option 0 uses both to propose specific actions: reading clubs and class time. This directly answers 'how' with practical ideas.